KEVIN KIERMAIER

Cubs rookie Christopher Morel has homered in three straight games and looks to keep up the run when he faces Boston at Wrigley Field on Saturday.

Gerrit Cole took a no-hit bid into the eighth inning, Aaron Hicks hit a tiebreaking triple in the ninth as Manuel Margot slammed into the right-field wall and the New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-2 for their 50th win.

Anthony Rizzo hit a solo home run with one out in the ninth inning and the streaking New York Yankees beat the Tampa Bay Rays 2-1 for their 14th straight home win.

Shane McClanahan pitched eight superb innings to win his fifth consecutive start and the Tampa Bay Rays completed a three-game sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals with a 2-1 victory.

"It's not judgmental. It's not looking down," said one of the players in a statement, citing religious beliefs.

Corey Kluber and Gerrit Cole dueled evenly for six impressive innings before the Tampa Bay Rays scored a pair of late runs to beat the Yankees 3-1, ending New York’s four-game winning streak.

Rays Orioles Baseball Tampa Bay Rays' Randy Arozarena runs the bases on a two-run home run against the Baltimore Orioles during the first inning a baseball game Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Baltimore. Tampa Bay is still 22-2 against the Orioles since the start of 2021 and has outscored them 177-84 over that stretch. Tampa Bay increased the lead to 5-0 in the sixth on a sacrifice fly by Ji-Man Choi and a fielder’s choice by Harold Ramirez. Orioles: RHP Spenser Watkins (0-1, 5.10) is making his fifth career outing against Tampa Bay. He pitched five innings and gave up six runs and seven hits in his last start against Tampa Bay on Aug. 29.

Randy Arozarena hit a pair of homers, Jeffrey Springs threw shutout ball into the sixth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays spoiled the debut of Baltimore Orioles top prospect Adley Rutschman with a 6-1 victory.

BALTIMORE — Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier has recorded 50 assists during his 10-year major league career. After Tampa Bay took batting practice in Baltimore, Kiermaier walked over to Tailyn Kite and began to sign a baseball for the 22-year-old, who was wearing a Rays jersey and considers the outfielder her favorite player, the Tampa Bay Times reported. “I mean, now I’m engaged and I got to meet Kevin Kiermaier — dream come true. “I mean, now I’m engaged and I got to meet Kevin Kiermaier -- dream come true. “I’m thankful, I’m grateful that people who you don’t even know, who might watch you on TV or be a fan, to let me be a part of that.

Rays Angels Baseball Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) throws during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Tampa Bay Rays in Anaheim, Calif., Wednesday, May 11, 2022. The game was a 1-0 pitchers' duel until the eighth, with Tampa Bay’s Shane McClanahan barely outpitching Shohei Ohtani. Kiermaier hit a hanging slider from Ohtani into the right field bleachers in the second, ending Tampa Bay’s 12-inning scoreless skid. Wander Franco was Tampa Bay's designated hitter to give him extra rest. Angels: Ward missed the previous two games against Tampa Bay with a hamstring injury.

Vidal Bruján got an RBI double leading off the 10th inning for his first hit of the season, and the Tampa Bay Rays rebounded from their no-hit loss with a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Los Angeles Angels rookie Reid Detmers has a no-hitter through seven innings against the Tampa Bay Rays, a bid that survived a borderline error call in the seventh.

Shohei Ohtani hit his first grand slam in professional baseball on a two-homer night, and the surging Los Angeles Angels beat the Tampa Bay Rays 11-3.

Shohei Ohtani hit his first grand slam in professional baseball on a two-homer night, and the surging Los Angeles Angels beat the Tampa Bay Rays 11-3 on Monday. Ohtani had a solo shot in the sixth inning off Jalen Beeks. In the eighth, he connected on a 3-1 cutter from Calvin Faucher, who was making his big-league debut, and sent it over the wall in left field for his sixth homer and the Angels' third grand slam this season.

Miguel Cabrera reached the 3,000-hit mark on a weekend afternoon in front of an adoring crowd at his home ballpark in Detroit.

Matt Wisler (1-0) surrendered Boston's first hit when Bobby Dalbec opened the 10th with a triple, driving in automatic runner Jackie Bradley Jr. for a 1-0 lead. Major League Baseball rules say it doesn’t count as a no-hitter until the game ends and a team finishes with no hits. Hansel Robles (1-1) then came in for Boston and struck out the first two Tampa Bay batters in the bottom half. But automatic runner Randy Arozarena advanced on a balk and scored when Taylor Walls reached on a throwing error by second baseman Trevor Story. After Walls swiped second, Kiermaier drove Robles' 3-1 pitch deep to right for his first homer of the season.

Kevin Kiermaier capped Tampa Bay’s three-run 10th inning with a game-ending homer, and the Rays beat the Boston Red Sox 3-2 after losing their bid for a combined no-hitter in the top half of the final frame.

Athletics Rays Baseball Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier misses a ball hit by the Oakland Athletics Sean Murphy during the third inning of a baseball game Thursday, April, 14, 2022, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Scott Audette) (Scott Audette)ST. PETERSBURG, Fla, — (AP) — Cole Irvin pitched into the seventh inning,and the Oakland Athletics beat Tampa Bay 6-3 Thursday to take three of four from the Rays. Irvin (1-1) allowed three runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings as the rebuilding A's under new manager Mark Kotsay improved to 4-3. “I was throwing strikes, getting outs the way I know how,” said Irvin, who struck out two and walked none. Margot was thrown out trying to advance to second by right fielder Billy McKinney on Mike Zunino’s fly ball. Please try on your cold gear!”MOVING DAYThe Rays selected the contract of right-hander Phoenix Sanders from Triple-A Durham, and designated righty Dusten Knight for assignment.

Cole Irvin pitched into the seventh inning,and the Oakland Athletics beat Tampa Bay 6-3 to take three of four from the Rays, Irvin allowed three runs and five hits in 6 1/3 innings as the rebuilding A’s under new manager Mark Kotsay improved to 4-3.

Two-time Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber looked good in his debut with the Tampa Bay Rays, pitching into the fifth inning to help the defending AL East champions beat Baltimore 8-0 and complete a season-opening sweep of the Orioles.

Rob Manfred and major league players agree on at least one thing: the commissioner has failed in fostering their icy relationship.

The AL East champion Tampa Bay Rays saw their record-setting season come to a sudden end when they lost to the Boston Red Sox 6-5 in Game 4 of their Division Series and were eliminated in the best-of-five playoff.

(AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) (Michael Dwyer)BOSTON — (AP) — The book of Official Baseball Rules covers a lot of ground in its nearly 200 pages. The apt rule was right there on page 23 or so. Mike Zunino struck out the next at-bat to end the inning, and Boston's Christian Vázquez hit a two-run, walk-off homer in the bottom of the 13th of a 6-4 Red Sox win. Fans have already begun clamoring for a rewrite of the rule, perhaps to give umpires discretion to place runners where it makes sense. Díaz was halfway between second and third when the ball landed and would have scored without even drawing a throw.

The book of Official Baseball Rules covers a lot of ground in its nearly 200 pages.

The Red Sox right fielder waved at it desperately -- and unsuccessfully -- to keep it from going out of play. And you call it home-field advantage if you want — call it whatever you want — but we won.”The wild-card Red Sox took a 2-1 edge in the best-of-five matchup. Red Sox ace Nate Eovaldi allowed Austin Meadows’ two-run homer in the top of the first, but Schwarber led off the bottom half with a home run. Red Sox: RHP Hansel Robles appeared to be experiencing discomfort after striking out Diaz for the second out in the eighth. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it would most likely be Eduardo Rodriguez.

The wild-card Red Sox took a 2-1 edge in the best-of-five matchup, with Game 4 on Monday at Fenway Park -- Marathon Day in Boston. Red Sox ace Nate Eovaldi allowed Austin Meadows’ two-run homer in the top of the first, but Schwarber led off the bottom half with a home run. TRAINER’S ROOMRays: Arozarena slipped on his way to second base on his eighth-inning double, then limped into the dugout while the Red Sox changed pitchers. Red Sox: RHP Hansel Robles appeared to be experiencing discomfort after striking out Diaz for the second out in the eighth. Red Sox manager Alex Cora said it would most likely be Eduardo Rodriguez.

The Boston Red Sox were saved by a lucky bounce that cost Tampa Bay a certain run and maybe more in Game 3 of the AL Division Series.

ALDS Red Sox Rays Baseball Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier answers a question during a news conference before an American League Division Series baseball practice Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Rays play the Boston Red Sox in the best-of-five series. The Red Sox beat the Yankees 6-2 at home in the AL wild-card game Tuesday night, advancing to face the Rays. Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash lauded the 41-year-old slugger for his leadership on and off the field. Twins manager Rocco Baldelli was a Tampa Bay player and coach before being hired by Minnesota.

The Tampa Bay Rays have won more games than any other team in the American League over the past two seasons, going about their business with a quiet confidence that has the full attention of the Boston Red Sox.

Brewers Dodgers Baseball Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) reacts on the mound before he exits the game during the second inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Friday, Sept. 1, 2021, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis) (Ashley Landis)Two missing Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers, Trevor Bauer and Clayton Kershaw, earn nearly as much as the entire Tampa Bay Rays' major league roster heading into the playoffs. The defending champion Dodgers enter the postseason with more than three times the payroll of the Rays, the team they beat in last year’s World Series. That is just $7.6 million more than earned this year by Bauer and Kershaw, both unavailable to the Dodgers this week. Among luxury tax payrolls, the Dodgers led at $284.4 million and are on track to pay about $14.9 million for exceeding the $210 million threshold.

Two missing Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers earn nearly as much as the entire Tampa Bay Rays’ major league roster heading into the playoffs.

Gary Sánchez and Rougned Odor both struck out with two runners on to blunt a ninth-inning rally and the New York Yankees’ lead atop the AL wild-card race got even tighter with a 4-3 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays.

Carlos Correa hit his career-high 25th homer with a three-run shot and the Houston Astros clinched the AL West with a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Rays.

The surging Cardinals will try for a franchise-record 15th consecutive win in a game at Wrigley Field.

The surging Cardinals will try for a franchise-record 15th consecutive win in a game at Wrigley Field.

Yankees ace Gerrit Cole starts the opener of a crucial three-game series at Fenway Park with the Red Sox two games ahead of New York for the top AL wild card.

Blue Jays Rays Baseball Tampa Bay Rays' Kevin Kiermaier, right, is held back by home plate umpire Bruce Dreckman and Toronto Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen after Kiermaier was hit with a pitch by starting pitcher Ryan Borucki, right, during the eighth inning of a baseball game Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara)MINNEAPOLIS — (AP) — Toronto Blue Jays reliever Ryan Borucki has been suspended for three games by Major League Baseball for intentionally hitting Tampa Bay's Kevin Kiermaier with a pitch in the latest salvo in a spat between the two AL East competitors. MLB announced the punishment, which includes an undisclosed fine, on Thursday before the Blue Jays began a four-game series at Minnesota. Manager Charlie Montoyo was also suspended for one game and handed an undisclosed fine. That came two days after Kiermaier scooped up a Toronto scouting report that had fallen off catcher Alejandro Kirk's wristband during a play at the plate and refused to hand it back. “They can think want they want over there in their locker room, but it is what it is.”___More AP MLB coverage: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_SportsCopyright 2021 The Associated Press.

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Ryan Borucki has been suspended for three games by Major League Baseball for intentionally hitting Tampa Bay’s Kevin Kiermaier with a pitch.

“Oh yeah, it was intentional,” Kiermaier said after reliever Ryan Borucki hit him on the back with his first pitch in the eighth inning Wednesday. When asked why he wants to face Toronto again, Kiermaier replied: “The motivation is there. Montoyo said Kiermaier was not hit intentionally, maintaining he didn't want to use another pitcher in the one-sided game. The Blue Jays lost two of three to Tampa Bay and are 16-5 in September. SCHEDULE BREAKDOWNThe Blue Jays close out the road portion of their regular season with four games at Minnesota, last in the AL Central, starting Thursday night.

Blue Jays Rays Baseball Tampa Bay Rays' Kevin Kiermaier talks to reporters before a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Kiermaier was answering questions about picking up the Blue Jays pitch data card after being tagged out at home plate by catcher Alejandro Kirk during Monday's game. Reliever Ryan Borucki hit Kiermaier on the back with his first pitch of the eighth inning, when the Rays led 7-1. The Blue Jays lost two of three to Tampa Bay and are 16-5 in September. Six Tampa Bay pitchers combined on a four-hitter. Guerrero got the Blue Jays’ second hit with a sixth-inning double off Adam Conley and scored when Teoscar Hernández picked up his 109th RBI on a sacrifice fly.

Kevin Kiermaier was hit by a pitch after scooping up a Toronto scouting report two days earlier, and the Tampa Bay Rays clinched a postseason berth with a 7-1 victory over the Blue Jays.

Blue Jays Rays Baseball Tampa Bay Rays' Kevin Kiermaier talks to reporters before a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. Kiermaier was answering questions about picking up the Blue Jays pitch data card after being tagged out at home plate by catcher Alejandro Kirk during Monday's game. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara)ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier is “shocked to see what has transpired” and finds reaction “just hard to believe" to his scooping up a scouting a card that fell out of Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk’s wristband. Kiermaier reiterated before Wednesday's series finale that he had no bad intentions. Kiermaier thought the card was his scouting report. “A couple seconds after I realized it wasn’t ours and at that point, I’m not giving it back,” Kiermaier added.

Tampa Bay Rays center fielder Kevin Kiermaier says he is shocked by reaction to his scooping up a scouting a card that fell out of Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk’s wristband.

Cash said he reached out to Blue Jays manager Charlie Montoyo, pitching coach Pete Walker and general manager Ross Atkins to make the apology before Tuesday night's 4-2 loss to Toronto. Tampa Bay did not send back the card, which likely included information about the Blue Jays' plans to pitch to the Rays' hitters. “I had no idea we had the card,” Cash said. When asked if it was an inappropriate action by Kiermaier, Cash said he didn't think so. The Red Sox and Blue Jays are in position for the AL's two wild cards.

Blue Jays Rays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) tags out Tampa Bay Rays' Kevin Kiermaier trying to score during the sixth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara)A look at what's happening around the majors on Wednesday:___FINDERS KEEPERSKevin Kiermaier is playing for keeps -- and the Toronto Blue Jays may not be too keen on what he’s keeping. The veteran Rays outfielder scooped up a data card that fell out of Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk’s wristband during Tampa Bay’s 6-4 victory Monday night and has refused to give it back to the playoff-contending Blue Jays. “But at the same time, I’m not going to drop it or hand it back.”Sportsnet reported Toronto sent a bat boy to the Rays dugout to ask for the card’s return. AL East-leading Tampa Bay did not send back the card, which likely included information about the Blue Jays’ plans to pitch to the Rays’ hitters. With 10 games remaining, New York is locked in a tight race with Boston, Toronto, Oakland and Seattle for two AL wild cards.

Kevin Kiermaier is playing for keeps -- and the Toronto Blue Jays may not be too keen on what he’s keeping.

Blue Jays Rays Baseball Toronto Blue Jays catcher Alejandro Kirk (30) tags out Tampa Bay Rays' Kevin Kiermaier trying to score during the sixth inning of a baseball game Monday, Sept. 20, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara)ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — Rays veteran Kevin Kiermaier scooped up a data card that fell out of Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk's wristband during Tampa Bay's 6-4 victory Monday night and refused to give it back to the Blue Jays. Kiermaier was called out sliding into home during the sixth inning and saw a strip of paper lying next to him after the play. Tampa Bay did not send back the card, which likely included information about the Blue Jays' plans to pitch to the Rays' hitters. Rays manager Kevin Cash was seen chatting with Blue Jays skipper Charlie Montoyo before Tuesday's game. The Red Sox and Blue Jays are in position for the AL's two wild cards.

Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash apologized to Blue Jays management a day after Rays veteran Kevin Kiermaier scooped up a scouting data card that fell out of Toronto catcher Alejandro Kirk’s wristband and refused to give it back.

Wander Franco extended his on-base streak 30 games with a two-run single, fellow rookie Luis Patiño pitched neatly into the sixth inning and the AL East-leading Tampa Bay Rays won their eighth in a row, beating the Boston Red Sox 6-1.

Bobby Dalbec drove in a career-high five runs, Xander Bogaerts and Hunter Renfroe each had four RBIs and the Boston Red Sox routed the Tampa Bay Rays 20-8.

Brett Phillips capped his first career two-homer game with a tiebreaking grand slam in the eighth inning, and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied to beat the Baltimore Orioles 9-6 for a three-game sweep.

Angels Rendon Surgery Baseball FILE - In this June 25, 2021, file photo, Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon reaches for a ball that went for an infield base hit by Tampa Bay Rays ' Kevin Kiermaier during the sixth inning of a baseball game in St. Petersburg, Fla. Rendon will have season-ending hip surgery, finishing off an injury-plagued second season in Southern California. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius, File) (Steve Nesius)ARLINGTON, Texas — (AP) — Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon will have season-ending surgery on his right hip, finishing off an injury-plagued second year in Southern California. Rendon, who was limited to 58 games, had been on the injured list since July 6 with a left hamstring strain. Manager Joe Maddon said he wasn't sure how the injury progressed from a hamstring issue to a problem with the hip. He has been out longer than expected, but the Angels say the plan remains for the nine-time All-Star to play this season.

Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon will have season-ending hip surgery, finishing off an injury-plagued second season in Southern California.

Indians Rays Baseball Tampa Bay Rays reliever Josh Fleming pitches against the Cleveland Indians during the third inning in the second baseball game of a doubleheader Wednesday, July 7, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla.(AP Photo/Steve Nesius) (Steve Nesius)ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — Five Tampa Bay pitchers combined for seven hitless innings, and the Rays beat the Indians 4-0 Wednesday for a doubleheader sweep. Arizona's Madison Bumgarner pitched a seven-inning no-hitter against Atlanta in the second game of a doubleheader on April 25, another that did not officially count. Walls put the Rays up 2-0 in Game 2 on two-out RBI singles off Sam Hentges (1-4) in the second and fourth. He homered and tied a career-high with five RBIs in Monday night’s 9-8 loss to the Rays. Indians: Rc (4-3), out since May 26 with a broken right thumb, will return to start Thursday night’s game against Kansas City.

Five Tampa Bay pitchers combined for seven hitless innings, and the Rays beat the Indians 4-0 for a doubleheader sweep.

Kyle Schwarber led off the first inning with his 12th home run in 10 games, and the Washington Nationals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 4-3 to move above.

APTOPIX Red Sox Rays Baseball Boston Red Sox right fielder Hunter Renfroe makes a leaping catch on a fly ball by Tampa Bay Rays' Ji-Man Choi during the fifth inning of a baseball game Thursday, June 24, 2021, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara) (Chris O'Meara)ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — Kevin Kiermaier broke up a combined no-hit bid by the Boston Red Sox with a one-out double in the eighth inning and Manuel Margot scored on a wild pitch in the ninth to give the Tampa Bay Rays a 1-0 victory Thursday night. J.P. Feyereisen (4-1), the fifth Tampa Bay pitcher, worked the ninth inning of a four-hitter. Kiermaier lined his opposite-field double to left off Darwinzon Hernández, the third Red Sox pitcher. Tampa Bay starter Michael Wacha, who took a no-hitter into the fifth, allowed one hit and two walks in five innings. SPECIAL NIGHTThe Red Sox will honor Dustin Pedroia during pregame ceremonies before Friday night’s game against the New York Yankees.

Kevin Kiermaier broke up a combined no-hit bid by the Boston Red Sox with a one-out double in the eighth inning and Manuel Margot scored on a wild pitch in the ninth to give the Tampa Bay Rays a 1-0 victory.

Nick Pivetta and Josh Taylor combined to hold the Rays hitless through seven innings. Pivetta was pulled with a runner on second and two outs in the seventh after throwing 100 pitches. Austin Meadows reached with one out in the seventh when Red Sox first baseman Michael Chavis was charged with an error after misplaying a routine grounder. After Pivetta retired Yandy Díaz on a grounder, manager Alex Cora went to the mound to make a pitching change. Boston was trying to throw the seventh no-hitter in the majors this season.

Kevin Kiermaier doubled off reliever Darwinzon Hernández with one out in the eighth inning for Tampa Bay’s first hit against the Boston Red Sox.

Wander Franco hit a three-run homer and doubled in his big league debut for the Tampa Bay Rays, who lost their seventh straight in falling to the Boston Red Sox 9-5 in 11 innings.

Clint Frazier hit a game-ending, two-run homer with two outs in the 11th inning after making a game-saving catch in the eighth, and the slumping New York Yankees beat the rival Tampa Bay Rays 5-3.

Rich Hill finished May with the lowest monthly ERA in 75 years of a pitcher in his 40s, and the Tampa Bay Rays won for the 16th time in 17 games by keeping up their domination of the reeling Yankees with a 3-1 victory.

The Tampa Bay Rays’ 11-game winning streak came to an end when Brad Keller pitched seven strong innings and Salvador Perez hit a tiebreaking RBI single to give the Kansas City Royals a 2-1 victory.

Francisco Mejía hit a tiebreaking, two-run single during a seven-run burst in the 11th inning and the Tampa Bay Rays won their 11th straight game, outlasting the Toronto Blue Jays 14-8.

Austin Meadows, Manuel Margot and Mike Brosseau drew consecutive bases-loaded walks with two outs in the ninth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied for their 10th straight win, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 6-4.

Mike Zunino homered, Brett Phillips had two hits during a seven-run eighth inning and the Tampa Bay Rays rallied for an 8-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

The last-place New York Yankees lost their fifth straight game as Yoshi Tsutsugo hit a tiebreaking double off Gerrit Cole in the seventh inning that lifted the Tampa Bay Rays to a 4-2 win and a three-game sweep.

He was 2-1 with a 6.35 ERA in three spring starts, including allowing six earned runs against Cincinnati on Friday. Alec Bohm had two hits, including his fourth double. AdFreddie Freeman had two hits, including a double and his first homer — a two-run shot in the sixth. Victor Robles had three hits, including his sixth double, with an RBI, and Kyle Schwarber doubled and walked three times. Adalberto Mondesi singled and homered and Jorge Soler had two hits, including a double.

Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Blake Snell leaves the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning in Game 6 of the baseball World Series Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)ARLINGTON, Texas – Blake Snell turned away from his manager and yelled an expletive as Kevin Cash headed to the mound. The team that reached the World Series leaning largely on analytics was undone by the data — and a decision sure to become part of October lore. I’m not going to ask any questions, but he was pitching a great game," Betts said. It was the Cy Young Snell that pitched tonight.”Count Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, himself a frequent target for criticism over pulling starters, among those happy to see Snell go.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Justin Turner flies out against the Tampa Bay Rays during the sixth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays a baseball World Series Game 6 Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. ___10:10 p.m.With postseason star Julio Urías on the mound, the Los Angeles Dodgers are clinging to a 2-1 lead over the Tampa Bay Rays heading into the eighth inning. The Los Angeles Dodgers took a 3-2 World Series lead into Game 6 against the Tampa Bay Rays on Tuesday night, one win from their first title since 1988. “I don’t know if we’ve got any Tampa Bay Rays fans here in Orlando,” Obama said. The Globe Life Field roof will be closed for Game 6 of the World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays.

FILE - In this Oct. 20, 1988, file photo, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Orel Hershiser holds his World Series Most Valuable Player trophy following the Dodgers' decisive 5-2 win over the Oakland Athletics in Oakland, Ca. Since Hershiser struck out Oaklands Tony Phillips for the final out of the 1988 World Series, the Dodgers have played 5,014 regular-season games and 113 more in the postseason in pursuit of their next title. The rookie right-hander hopes to keep the World Series from reaching a Game 7 for the fourth time in five years. The Rays and Cash have impressed Roberts with their relentlessness, evidenced by their ninth-inning rally to win Game 4. Hershiser, the 1988 World Series MVP, says each time the postseason is lengthened it adds another level of uncertainty to the competition.

Tampa Bay Rays' Manuel Margot is tagged out at home by Los Angeles Dodgers catcher Austin Barnes trying to steal during the fourth inning in Game 5 of the baseball World Series Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)ARLINGTON, Texas – Manuel Margot snuck a few steps down the line and took off toward home plate, trying to steal a run for Tampa Bay. The lefty struck out nine in 4 2/3 innings when the Rays won 6-4 in Game 2 last Wednesday. Will Smith was the Dodgers catcher at the end of Saturday night's game, when he missed the ball trying to make a quick sweeping tag on Arozarena. The catcher didn't realize Arozarena had tumbled to the ground before getting up and eventually diving home.

Facing the team he helped win the World Series two years ago, Morton allowed one run and three hits while striking out nine over five innings to force Game 4 in the best-of-five matchup at Tropicana Field on Tuesday. The 35-year-old Morton is 4-0 with an 0.95 ERA in four career elimination starts, including last week's wild-card win. Kiermaier got the wild-card Rays going with his shot the second inning. The four home runs matched a franchise record for a postseason game. The Rays also went deep four times against the Boston Red Sox during the 2008 AL Championship Series and did it again during last week's 5-1 wild-card victory at Oakland in the AL wild-card game.

"Then it all came quick," Cash said after Tampa made three trades on deadline day, including one that brought slumping Brewers slugger Jess Aguilar to the AL East hopefuls. At the 4 p.m. deadline, the Rays were eight games behind the Yankees in the East and one-half game behind the Athletics for the AL's second wild-card berth. Neither the Yankees nor Red Sox, who entered Wednesday night's game 1 1/2 games behind Tampa, made any moves at the deadline. The Rays sent reliever Adam Kolarek to the Los Angeles Dodgers for Single-A outfielder Niko Hulsizer. Stanek has been used mostly as an opener by the Rays this year, and he has a 3.40 ERA in 41 games.